Treatment options

Having an understanding of some basic first aid and knowing what to do, when, can help the body to start healing quickly.

Cuts and grazes

There are a few steps to remember when treating a cut or a graze. The first is to ensure hands are clean before touching any open wounds. Then it’s important to stop any bleeding. This can be done by applying pressure to the area using a clean, dry and absorbent material, such as a bandage or towel. Raising the affected area above the heart can also help to reduce blood flow to the area, which means the person lying down if it’s on their leg. Once the wound has stopped bleeding, it should be cleaned using running water and patted dry.

It should then be covered to prevent infection using an appropriate dressing, such as a plaster or gauze dressing pad secured with tape. Examples include: Elastoplast, Melolin.

Waterproof plasters or dressings can be applied to protect the cut or graze when bathing and washing. Some plasters contain silver ions which are marketed as providing increased protection against infection. Example: Elastoplast Silver Antibacterial Plasters.

Burns and scalds

The main priority with burns and scalds is to cool the affected area as quickly as possible. Cold, running water should be applied to the burn for a minimum of 20 minutes and any jewellery or clothing should be gently removed from the area, if possible, so nothing can rub against the burn. The burn should then be covered loosely with cling film or, if that’s not available, a sterile, non-adhesive, non-fluffy dressing. This helps to protect the wound and keep it clean, but also means it should not stick to or pull the delicate skin underneath. Customers should avoid putting any lotions, ointments, creams or gels on burns as this can make them worse. Bursting any blisters that appear can also slow down the healing process and cause infection, so this should be avoided.

Insect bites and stings

Some types of stings, such as from a bee or wasp, may mean a stinger is left in the skin and this should be removed by brushing or scraping the stinger sideways with a fingernail or edge of a bank card as soon as possible. The affected area should be cleaned and raised to help reduce any swelling. A cold compress applied for at least 10 minutes may also help. Scratching and bursting blisters should be avoided to help prevent infection.

Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve any pain and discomfort.

Topical treatment options:

• Antihistamine creams containing mepyramine maleate can be used to reduce itching, swelling and redness. Example: Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream. Oral antihistamines may be preferred
• Corticosteroid creams containing hydrocortisone acetate also reduce redness and swelling. A thin and even layer should be applied over the bite. Topical corticosteroids should not be used on the face or by children under 10 years of age. Examples include Hc45 Cream
• Antipruritic creams containing crotamiton can help to relieve itching and skin irritation. Example: Eurax Cream
• Anaesthetic creams such as benzocaine can be used to numb pain caused by the bite or sting and reduce irritation. Examples include Lanacane Creme.